Have you ever been massaged? If you have, you are familiar with how relaxing they can be. There are so many different types of massages, that it can be confusing to know which one you will like the best. This might prevent you from gaining the most out of your massage. The article that follows is packed with lots of excellent tips about massage.

One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.

If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, you may benefit from a professional deep tissue neck massage. To perform a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses a stretching technique along with pressure to pull and stretch your muscles. This allows the muscles to relax; thus, relieving your headache and tension.

If you want to give a quick massage, consider focusing just on the feet. The feet offer a small area to massage that contains a wealth of benefits. Feet have many nerves and pressure points, and they hold the weight of the entire body throughout the day. Spend fifteen minutes massaging the feet and feel the difference it offers.

Eat a light meal before getting a massage. Eating a heavy meal before your massage could make you uncomfortable and prevent you from enjoying your experience. Eat a well-balanced meal and wait a few hours before getting a massage so that you do not feel uncomfortable when laying down on your abdomen.

If a person wants a deeper massage, be careful on how much oil, you use. Yes, oil feels great on a person’s back and causes less friction, but the latter is the problem for deeper tissue massage. Without that friction, you won’t be able to offer a deep massage, as your hands will constantly slide. Minimize this issue by using just enough oil for the massage to be comfortable, but not so much that you lose all friction.

When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.

When massaging someone try to remain quiet. It may be hard for them to relax if you keep up a constant stream of chatter. The only sound should be some quiet music or sounds of nature. Just try to keep it silent.

If you have recently contracted the flu, a massage may help alleviate the pain and stiffness generally associated with the flu. For the best relief, gently rub warmed lotion over your entire body using a circular motion. This will not only alleviate aches, but it will also help re-hydrate your skin.

When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.

Recover slowly after enjoying a massage. Hold off on immediately jumping up from the table as soon as the masseuse leaves the room. Take a moment to luxuriate in the warm, relaxed feel of your body. Open your eyes, take in your surroundings, and then slowly sit up on the edge of the table. Rest a moment before standing.

Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!

When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.

If your partner needs a deep massage, use your body weight to help. Massaging strictly with your hands can get exhausting very fast, making the massage less enjoyable for the both of you. When you put some weight into it, it is easier to go deeper and provide a longer massage experience.

You must be gentle when massaging your pet. You may cause your pet some pain, and even cause permanent damage. You should be focused on the body language of your pet. If he does not seem to enjoy the massage, stop doing it.

Exercise increases the blood-flow within the muscles of your body and you should compliment this each day with a simple massage. Massaging these same areas will improve waste removal and decreases the recovery time for damaged tissue. Start a weekly routine of exercising and massaging target areas for best results.

If you have not gone to have a massage because you believe that it is too expensive, it’s really not. Prices of massages can be quite expensive, but there are many places that give great massages for an affordable price. Schools that have massage therapy programs also often offer deeply discounted massages preformed by the students.

When you are giving a massage, find out the tolerance of the person receiving the massage. Some people are quite sensitive to it. They become ticklish and rigid, which is not a desirable effect of a massage. Adjust your technique so the person does not tense up when you touch him.

You should now realize just how incredible giving and receiving a massage can be. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of what massage is all about. Use the above tips and you will soon have a truly enjoyable massage experience.